Chance had gotten her a ring the day after he’d proposed and made her set a date. At first, he’d wanted to head to the county clerk and get married immediately, but Cordy knew everyone would be disappointed if they didn’t have a wedding.
So they compromised—Chance got to take her to the courthouse that day and get them secretly hitched, and Cordygot him to agree to a wedding ceremony for their friends and family in three months.
Honestly, she was glad they were already married. Not that she doubted Chance’s commitment to her and Madeleine, but having it be official, even secretly, was satisfying. No matter what happened, she and Madeleine belonged to Chance, and he belonged to them.
“What?” Mom’s shriek echoed through the phone speakers. “Married to whom?”
“A man I met in the town I’m living in. Chance Kessal. He’s a cowboy. You’ll love him.”
“Where are you now, in the States? I guess I could make it back for the wedding.”
“That would be nice”—Cordy tightened her grip on Chance’s hand—“but if you can’t, I understand.”
“I’ll do my best.”
Cordy filled her lungs. “Mom, there’s something else.”
“What?”
“I had a baby.”
There was dead silence. And then, “Cordelia Grace, are you serious?”
“Yes. I had a baby.” Cordy laughed nervously. “Madeleine. I’ll show her to you if you can get on a video call.”
“My God. Is this why you’re getting married? Honey, you don’t have to do that.”
“No, no, Iwantto marry this guy.” Cordy looked into Chance’s eyes. “So much. I’m so in love with him.”
Chance lifted their linked hands and kissed each of Cordy’s knuckles.
“Um.” Cordy tried to focus. “But he’s not Madeleine's dad. It’s… it’s a complicated story.”
“Why didn’t you… Because I was out of touch, of course.” There was a rustling on the other end.
“I can explain, but it will take a while.”
“No,” Mom said. The rustling got louder. “Just wait until I’m there.”
“There?” Cordy glanced at Chance. “Do you mean here? You’re cominghere?”
“I’m booking a flight right now.” A keyboard clacked in the background. “I can be there in… three days. Where are you again?”
“Star Crossed Springs. It’s in Northern California.”
More keyboard clacking. “Oh wow, you’re in the middle of nowhere.”
“Mom, you’re in Mongolia! I couldn’t reach you for months.” Cordy adjusted her fingers in Chance’s. “You’re going to come right away?”
“Of course. I’d have been there sooner if I’d known. My baby had a baby! I’m a grandma!”
It was so different from how Dad had been—and what Cordy had needed all this time—that it made her tear up.
“Thank you, Mom. Dad… Dad wasn’t as excited.”
“I’ll talk to him and set him straight. Don’t you worry about it—he’ll be the best grandpa once I’m done with him.”
This was so unlike her mom that Cordy didn’t know what to say. What had happened toYou can only count on yourself? Don’t own things, or they’ll own you?
